In the last two weeks or so, I have received about 4 requests for information about laundering fine linens. In one case, it was a piece of crochet dating from the 1940's that had had some red dye run into it. In another, a woman inquired about some cutwork, filet lace, and miscellaneous other things that appear to me as though they date from the first half of the 20th century, possibly the 1920's. She wants to know how to take care of them. I find that when I begin to explain the whole thing about Orvis, which has to be obtained in a specialty store, and the procedure, which involves window screens in some cases, the recipient of the information begins to tune out. In addition, providing info about conservation facilities such as that at the American Textile History Museum is entirely off base because these are not museum quality objects and the individuals have no interest in spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on these items. I think that what people want me to provide is the name of a fine hand laundry capable of handling these items. Do such places exist anymore? How does one find them? I am also in a quandry because many of these items from the 20's have negligible value, but they are now 80 years old. What should people be doing with them? Should they use them, in which case, can anything 80 years old actually withstand washing, even let's say 4 times a year after family gatherings? Or should they keep them in the closet to protect them? But why would you do that, since they are virtually valueless as antiques? Thoughts? Devon who avoids using fancy linens because she doesn't want to expend a lot of time or money maintaining them
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